Tuk-Tuk Driver Who Took Bomber to Shrine Steps Forward

[ravip]

Did the tuk-tuk driver say "Royal Palace closed today"?

Interesting .Did this TUK TUK Devil give him the usual grilling ,i.e, Where you come from ? You want tour ? You want lady /massage etc .?

To quote a few....

Its amazing that there are those who can make light of this extremely serious event that took innocent lives along with ridiculing the police and security services that are working to apprehend the scum who carried out this attack on innocent victims.

Try thinking before posting, it could have been any of us or our loved ones!

Exactly. I was at a meeting on that spot Friday, and less than a kilometer away at the time of the explosion. The day of the second bomb at the bridge, my wife was on the way home, scheduled to cross it.

This is why sometimes I light up and really get disgusted by what i read here. I lost friends at the World Trade Center - 9/11, I am from Boston, and we had the marathon bombing, I live in Bangkok, and know 6 wonderful people who work in Amarin Plaza and could have easily been hurt or killed that day.

There seems to be no lower limit to what people will say on this forum, and let me say .. the more I read .. the less interested i become in meeting Foreigners .. and frankly, by that .. I mean Farang .. since so many are .. let's call it what it is .. racists.

So to the very same people who post this heartless "humor" and drivel, then complain that Farang in Bangkok are "snobs", "anti-social" , do not "even nod or smile" .. etc .. now you know why.

Until I see you being respectful and open with Thai people .. you are on the "No thank you, I do not want to hear your "Thai Rant"" list

It is duly noted that you are unhappy, and for your own reasons, feel stuck in Thailand and stay. We, the happy Expats really are sorry you are not happy. Really. That being said, may we respectfully request that you keep your bitching and moaning down a bit, and reserve your "humor" for events that do not include mayhem, massacre, dozens of innocent lives lost, hundreds more destroyed, families forever ruined?

You see ladies, your racist slip is showing (again) ... we all know that you were relieved to see that list of the dead had no "Smith or Jones" on it .. had there been, you would be threatening anyone who made these tasteless jokes with "lead poisoning"

Such A Holes, such an embarrassment for the Farang who live and work in the Kingdom, and have Thai friends who know what you all are.

As the Thai say, "I invite you to my home, and you S+++ on the roof" It is laughable that many Foreigners beleive that the Kingdom would come to a screeching halt if, God Forbid, your pension check did not arrive and end up in the till at the corner pub. "Amazing Farang" .. really.

Very true and excellent post.

[ravip]

Its obvious he did not come forward because of fear. Put your self in that position. Laziness or fear. Tuk Tuk drivers are not rocket scientist.

Neither are many (or ANY) who post here... by the comments seen.

[yuv06]

Notice how the BBC puts together a timeline of events, with the available photos of the suspect, and an explanatory graphic of the shrine site to try to make some sense out of the information.

While the Thai media just parrots the latest utterances of Police and Government officials.

Yeah, I guess I'm among the "Thai Bashers" at the moment; although it is simply out of frustration, and directed mostly at the media and the popinjays in uniform.

You mean something like this?

http://www.khaosod.co.th/view_newsonline.php?newsid=1440000544

Well, phoenixdoglover, aren't you going to take responsibility for what you stated by taking it back? Thai media are actually doing what you disrespectfully claimed they haven't.

That's why I see the stupidity of this Thai bashing I almost laughed as I said where did the BBC and CNN obtained those intel from the police it is that the police did not want to show these stuff but these BBC and CNN guys just copied and paste! How did you think they obtained all those CCTV footage! It is so dumb these Thai bashers and they think they are smart

[balo]

_{looks like the others handed themselves in too..}

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-34007723

Notice how the BBC puts together a timeline of events, with the available photos of the suspect, and an explanatory graphic of the shrine site to try to make some sense out of the information.

While the Thai media just parrots the latest utterances of Police and Government officials.

Yeah, I guess I'm among the "Thai Bashers" at the moment; although it is simply out of frustration, and directed mostly at the media and the popinjays in uniform.

You mean something like this?

http://www.khaosod.co.th/view_newsonline.php?newsid=1440000544

Next time you want to do some Thai bashing 'pheonixdoglover' maybe do some investigation on Thai media before you open your mouth . There are some excellent Thai media sites that cover this tragic event . BBC copy most of what they publish from Thai media sites.

Edited August 21, 2015 by balo

[balo]

The 30,000 reward did the trick and he came forward,maybe they need

to up the other reward for information to more than 1 M, its also quite

strange that no terrorist group has claimed responsibility,most terrorist

groups like to have the publicity.

regards worgeordie

Maybe the reason for this is that the people behind this are still in the country and are waiting for an escape back to where they came from ? The world will know in a few days or weeks.

Edited August 21, 2015 by metisdead
2. Please do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes or wording. Such posts will be deleted and the user warned.

[jacko45k]

There's a shop in that Soi that sells only second-hand steel pipes. I once had a need for about 2 metres length of 8" internal diameter, 5-8 mm thickness steel pipe, and found it in that shop. As far as know, there are not too many shops specialised in selling used steel pipes. The police might want to investigate whether the that shop has recently sold any steel pipe of the type and size used in the bombs.

And they sell it in suitably cut rucksack suitable lengths already sealed at the ends?

This is a sterling example of why Thai Visa is both a blessing and a curse.

(1) We have an Expat with unique, interesting and important information .. willing to take the time to share it. (Thank you)

(2) Then, his "thanks" is a completely stupid comment ... that actually makes no sense, but whose feeble attempt to be clever is clear.

What this means is, the rest of us, who live, work, have friends, family and peers in BKK, looking for answers have to wade through page after page of absolute drivel, to extract a few pearls that are interesting.

Unlike Jacko45, i have a very strong working knowledge of what this important fact / clue means .. it really was a "wow" .. they are getting closer and closer to finding the people who did this' moment.

I really beleive that long ago, some really smart and motivated people thought "let's build an online Expat community that is supportive, shares knowledge and makes living in the Kingdom better. I really wonder if they ever intended for it to be the daily puke fest it has become.

Like so many things in life, it only takes a few "J offs' to answer the question "Why can't we have nice things?"

Has it been declared that the bomb used was a pipe bomb yet?

If not the information is not relevant and speculative.

As is your response.

Take your soapbox elsewhere.

Edited August 21, 2015 by jacko45k

[balo]

Bangkok blast: Police seeking 'woman in black shirt'

http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2015/08/21/bangkok-blast-police-seeking-woman-black-shirt

Desperation time….why would you single that woman out..just because she happens to be in close proximity to the suspect….she looks very calm and her actions completely natural and non-suspicious….what tv show are these guys watching now?

To answer your question , if you were the police, wouldnt you want to check out everyone in that CCTV video that was standing close to the suspect? You know , like talking to them , if their still alive , just to find out if they have anything to hide? So please let the police do their work , they are actually trying you know.

Edited August 21, 2015 by metisdead
2. Please do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes or wording. Such posts will be deleted and the user warned.

[silent]

If they really wanted to catch these terrorist then they would have asked and/or accepted help from Western intelligence agencies that have more experience and expertise.

Wasn't it reported the other day that they had asked interpol and other security forces for intelligence on suspected bombers etc...

Of course it was, I think the same as being told by Western Intelligence" not to jump to "terrorists" conclusions, but let's confuse watchamacallits Thaineagativist' following with the facts. Worse, being better informed might bring on a change of heart.

Edited August 21, 2015 by silent

[cookee68]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

It may not be laziness.

It may be fear.

Depending on who is behind this, witnesses may fear retaliation.

Chances are this is not a "lone gunman" kind of thing.

A numerous different "organizations" could be behind it.

Young idealistic fools can be convinced to do many things.

In fact, there is a good chance the perp is actually dead and disposed of already.

He may never be found alive or at all.

Smart criminals cover their tracks.

and this is Thailand.

So he will still be alive then, because you said smart criminals cover their tracks, not so smart here

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

If they really wanted to catch these terrorist then they would have asked and/or accepted help from Western intelligence agencies that have more experience and expertise.

Wasn't it reported the other day that they had asked interpol and other security forces for intelligence on suspected bombers etc...

Who?

[Barefoot]

I think it's a bit charitable to say the tuk tuk driver "stepped forward." The police had a photo of the bomber in the tuk tuk and the license plate is clearly visible. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/663320/motorcycle-taxi-driver-tells-police-about-suspect

Tuktuk.bmp

[willyumiii]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

It may not be laziness.

It may be fear.

Depending on who is behind this, witnesses may fear retaliation.

Chances are this is not a "lone gunman" kind of thing.

A numerous different "organizations" could be behind it.

Young idealistic fools can be convinced to do many things.

In fact, there is a good chance the perp is actually dead and disposed of already.

He may never be found alive or at all.

Smart criminals cover their tracks.

and this is Thailand.

So he will still be alive then, because you said smart criminals cover their tracks, not so smart here

I seems you are assuming that the master minds behind this are from Thailand.

I am not assuming anything.

With an investigation like this, anything is possible at this point

[cookee68]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

It may not be laziness.

It may be fear.

Depending on who is behind this, witnesses may fear retaliation.

Chances are this is not a "lone gunman" kind of thing.

A numerous different "organizations" could be behind it.

Young idealistic fools can be convinced to do many things.

In fact, there is a good chance the perp is actually dead and disposed of already.

He may never be found alive or at all.

Smart criminals cover their tracks.

and this is Thailand.

So he will still be alive then, because you said smart criminals cover their tracks, not so smart here

I seems you are assuming that the master minds behind this are from Thailand.

I am not assuming anything.

With an investigation like this, anything is possible at this point

You have a valid point

[fitzcaraldo]

the escape route seems well prepared , is there any camera around there where the motosai drop him ???

as for the bandage maybe cover nothing just atract your attention and divert the eyes from your face because if you want to hide tatoo or scars you wear long sleeves

for the talking in foreign language why would he speak in front of the motosai, during a short trip when all seems so well prepared, maybe again a false lead to cover the tracks a little more? just speak some yogurt language that the motosai will think foreign

[fitzcaraldo]

we wait the police to follow more leads like interview as much people who were around the shrine , the search for images on cctv around the places of interest at theses time

[metisdead]

A post commenting on moderation has been removed as well as the replies.

[metisdead]

Posts containing unsubstantiated allegations have been removed as well as the replies.

[Fat Haggis]

Bangkok blast: Police seeking 'woman in black shirt'

http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2015/08/21/bangkok-blast-police-seeking-woman-black-shirt

Desperation time….why would you single that woman out..just because she happens to be in close proximity to the suspect….she looks very calm and her actions completely natural and non-suspicious….what tv show are these guys watching now?

To answer your question , if you were the police, wouldnt you want to check out everyone in that CCTV video that was standing close to the suspect? You know , like talking to them , if their still alive , just to find out if they have anything to hide? So please let the police do their work , they are actually trying you know.

They're trying so hard that human remains were found AFTER they cleaned up the place, they are trying so hard that the BBC team found pieces of the device AFTER they cleaned up.

Hardly surprising you're defending their incompetence, as you are doing the same with regards to the Koh Tao murder case!!!

[itsmylife]

Did the thai police try to retrieve the bank note the bomber use and trace for finger print ?

[PM1]

Tuk Tuk should be jaled for holding information back

[metisdead]

A troll post has been removed.

[Guest]

Bangkok blast: Police seeking 'woman in black shirt'

http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2015/08/21/bangkok-blast-police-seeking-woman-black-shirt

Desperation time….why would you single that woman out..just because she happens to be in close proximity to the suspect….she looks very calm and her actions completely natural and non-suspicious….what tv show are these guys watching now?

To answer your question , if you were the police, wouldnt you want to check out everyone in that CCTV video that was standing close to the suspect? You know , like talking to them , if their still alive , just to find out if they have anything to hide? So please let the police do their work , they are actually trying you know.

Yes, absolutely correct. I wold want to talk to anyone and everyone who was close to that spot.

What may seem like an insignificant "little thing" could be the thing that breaks this case.

I would be asking every person in Bangkok who was close to the event, and anywhere along the suggest escape path, to be forwarding any photo or video to the police ...

Somewhere, in one of the thousand selfies, in all the video shot per hour, in the background, may very well be our little friend in yellow.

And I would do it immediately.

Everything to gain, nothing to lose.

[Guest]

There's a shop in that Soi that sells only second-hand steel pipes. I once had a need for about 2 metres length of 8" internal diameter, 5-8 mm thickness steel pipe, and found it in that shop. As far as know, there are not too many shops specialised in selling used steel pipes. The police might want to investigate whether the that shop has recently sold any steel pipe of the type and size used in the bombs.

And they sell it in suitably cut rucksack suitable lengths already sealed at the ends?

This is a sterling example of why Thai Visa is both a blessing and a curse.

(1) We have an Expat with unique, interesting and important information .. willing to take the time to share it. (Thank you)

(2) Then, his "thanks" is a completely stupid comment ... that actually makes no sense, but whose feeble attempt to be clever is clear.

What this means is, the rest of us, who live, work, have friends, family and peers in BKK, looking for answers have to wade through page after page of absolute drivel, to extract a few pearls that are interesting.

Unlike Jacko45, i have a very strong working knowledge of what this important fact / clue means .. it really was a "wow" .. they are getting closer and closer to finding the people who did this' moment.

I really beleive that long ago, some really smart and motivated people thought "let's build an online Expat community that is supportive, shares knowledge and makes living in the Kingdom better. I really wonder if they ever intended for it to be the daily puke fest it has become.

Like so many things in life, it only takes a few "J offs' to answer the question "Why can't we have nice things?"

Has it been declared that the bomb used was a pipe bomb yet?

If not the information is not relevant and speculative.

As is your response.

Take your soapbox elsewhere.

(1) Yes, the investigators concur that there is a high probability of a pipe bomb.

(2) The idea the "person in yellow" asked to be dropped off on a soi without cameras and at a shop that sells pipe cut to length? That does not sound like a clue to you? (Then, a device described by the bomb squad as a "pipe bomb" thrown off the bridge shortly thereafter.)

Hand in your pipe and cap Sherlock. You're fired.

As to where I set up my "soapbox" ... stuff it where the sun don't shine.

[FBlue72]

Has it been declared that the bomb used was a pipe bomb yet?

If not the information is not relevant and speculative.

As is your response.

Take your soapbox elsewhere.

(1) Yes, the investigators concur that there is a high probability of a pipe bomb.

(2) The idea the "person in yellow" asked to be dropped off on a soi without cameras and at a shop that sells pipe cut to length? That does not sound like a clue to you? (Then, a device described by the bomb squad as a "pipe bomb" thrown off the bridge shortly thereafter.)

Hand in your pipe and cap Sherlock. You're fired.

As to where I set up my "soapbox" ... stuff it where the sun don't shine.

I doubt the bomber was dropped off at this pipe shop, although he or more likely, an accomplice may well have visited it prior. It is a good clue and the poster should make the police aware of it- if they aren't already.

If the two bomb incidents are related, the second, unsuccessful bomb already established as a pipe type, and I'm sure they are, I would have to assume the bombs were made well ahead of time, or at least the materials already gathered.

My scenario has the bomber holed up for the next weeks in a well provisioned apartment, with a new haircut. Maybe even planning on putting some weight on. His ( or her...) colleagues, if they exist, also will be keeping to where they are- if they are smart, or do not succumb to the reward offers.

[gemguy]

A somewhat disappointing news article ...because...it is still not known if the specific and most important question was asked or answered or revealed to the public.

As in: For the record, are these photo images of this man, wearing this outfit and dressed and looking like this in the photos ...See the photos ....Is this the man that you picked up and delivered to the Erawan shrine...This man, with the yellow shirt and wearing glasses, having a curly crop of hair and wearing a small day pack the same man you picked up and delivered to the Erawan shrine approximately 10 minutes or less before the explosion occurred ....Yes????? ....or No????...for the record???

This news article is not clear as to whether the client that the Tuk Tuk driver delivered to the Erawan shrine is the SAME suspect in the photos from the CCTV surveillance cameras.

The Tuk Tuk driver says he picked up "a client" and delivered the client to the Erawan shrine but it is not clear yet if the client is the same as the suspect in the CCTV video images.

There is no announcement of " Positive Identification and Confirmation" ...for the record.

Just saying

Cheers

Edited August 22, 2015 by gemguy

[yuv06]

A somewhat disappointing news article ...because...it is still not known if the specific and most important question was asked or answered or revealed to the public.

As in: For the record, are these photo images of this man, wearing this outfit and dressed and looking like this in the photos ...See the photos ....Is this the man that you picked up and delivered to the Erawan shrine...This man, with the yellow shirt and wearing glasses, having a curly crop of hair and wearing a small day pack the same man you picked up and delivered to the Erawan shrine approximately 10 minutes or less before the explosion occurred ....Yes????? ....or No????...for the record???

This news article is not clear as to whether the client that the Tuk Tuk driver delivered to the Erawan shrine is the SAME suspect in the photos from the CCTV surveillance cameras.

The Tuk Tuk driver says he picked up "a client" and delivered the client to the Erawan shrine but it is not clear yet if the client is the same as the suspect in the CCTV video images.

There is no announcement of " Positive Identification and Confirmation" ...for the record.

Just saying

Cheers

I guess they are not telling everything maybe to not show that they know a lot more than what they have

[jacko45k]

Has it been declared that the bomb used was a pipe bomb yet?

If not the information is not relevant and speculative.

As is your response.

Take your soapbox elsewhere.

(1) Yes, the investigators concur that there is a high probability of a pipe bomb.

(2) The idea the "person in yellow" asked to be dropped off on a soi without cameras and at a shop that sells pipe cut to length? That does not sound like a clue to you? (Then, a device described by the bomb squad as a "pipe bomb" thrown off the bridge shortly thereafter.)

Hand in your pipe and cap Sherlock. You're fired.

As to where I set up my "soapbox" ... stuff it where the sun don't shine.

You should run along to the police station and concur with them some more Mr Poirot

I am not the one speculating and playing detective.

Nor did I start this conversation.

Do you not have some books to mark over the weekend.

Edited August 22, 2015 by jacko45k

[jacko45k]

There's a shop in that Soi that sells only second-hand steel pipes. I once had a need for about 2 metres length of 8" internal diameter, 5-8 mm thickness steel pipe, and found it in that shop. As far as know, there are not too many shops specialised in selling used steel pipes. The police might want to investigate whether the that shop has recently sold any steel pipe of the type and size used in the bombs.

I apologise for my other comment to you on this. Early in the morning it seemed silly to me that the bomber came directly from the pipe shop to the shrine. On reflection it is possible they as a group were staying in the vicinity. I like to think the Thai police can also latch onto this.

[Guest]

Has it been declared that the bomb used was a pipe bomb yet?

If not the information is not relevant and speculative.

As is your response.

Take your soapbox elsewhere.

(1) Yes, the investigators concur that there is a high probability of a pipe bomb.

(2) The idea the "person in yellow" asked to be dropped off on a soi without cameras and at a shop that sells pipe cut to length? That does not sound like a clue to you? (Then, a device described by the bomb squad as a "pipe bomb" thrown off the bridge shortly thereafter.)

Hand in your pipe and cap Sherlock. You're fired.

As to where I set up my "soapbox" ... stuff it where the sun don't shine.

You should run along to the police station and concur with them some more Mr Poirot

I am not the one speculating and playing detective.

Nor did I start this conversation.

Do you not have some books to mark over the weekend.

So, I get more of your attitude, and moments later, the original poster who "connected the dots' gets this?

"I apologise for my other comment to you on this. Early in the morning it seemed silly to me that the bomber came directly from the pipe shop to the shrine. On reflection it is possible they as a group were staying in the vicinity. I like to think the Thai police can also latch onto this."

My point has gone completely over your head, for you see .. his ability to "connect the dots" comes from a knowledge of the area and the willingness to share it with the Expat community. That is what I think Thai Visa needs much more of .. not your BS and negative attitude that discourages others from a thoughtful and respectful dialogue.

If you would spend less time behaving like a 13 year old school boy trying to be "clever" ... and come along with the adults trying to make sense of this, and protect our family and friends here in Bangkok, you would not have people like me telling you to eff - off.

Let me be perfectly clear. I do not like you, not have any interest in you .. or people like you. That is my privilege and choice as an adult. You represent the negative, cynical and anti Thai crowd I am tired of,. and as long as I keep it civil, have the privilege (it is not a "right", since Thai Visa owns this site ....) to think aloud and comment on the tone of these forums.

The only redeeming feature I have seen in your recent postings was your apology,

Despite the fact I think you are the back side of a horse, I wish you and yours safety, peace and happiness in these difficult times.

[gemguy]

There's a shop in that Soi that sells only second-hand steel pipes. I once had a need for about 2 metres length of 8" internal diameter, 5-8 mm thickness steel pipe, and found it in that shop. As far as know, there are not too many shops specialised in selling used steel pipes. The police might want to investigate whether the that shop has recently sold any steel pipe of the type and size used in the bombs.

Notice there was a mention of the tuk tuk pickup being near to a car repair garage. Strange to include that in the statement.

If it was me, i would be running explosive traces around that premises as it would certainly have all the equipment to make a pipe bomb, at least one that would work properly. And on the subject of pipe bombs................

The official releases that i have heard (there may well be some newer statements made) is that they are suggesting that the explosives used were likely to be TNT or some other high explosive type. TNT/C4/ etc would generally not be used for a pipe bomb, as they do not need to be activated under a pressurized condition (inside a sealed container) to release their destructive power. A pipe bomb is in reality a poor man's grenade, normally constructed using homemade explosives which does require a pressurized condition for the sharp explosive force to crystalize the surrounding container and spread that material and whatever else has been packed around it as shrapnel.

Just sayin'

This is true....however standard lengths of high explosive dynamite can be fitted inside standard metal pipe sizes with standard wall thicknesses having standard NPT threads on both ends and capped off using standard NPT threaded end caps with one end having a small drill hole where the lead detonator wire would pass through.

The end result , depending on the wall thickness of the metal pipe, is a progressively more forceful explosion, including metal shrapnel occurring because of the explosive charge being momentarily ( milliseconds actually ) contained inside before finally bursting from its containment condition .

The longer the explosion is contained, before it breaks its form of containment, the more powerful the explosion.

The bomb used was of low energy as compared to what could be accomplished if a bomb was engineered to be more powerful.

Fortunately the bomber(s) did not build a more powerful device.

If it is proven that the explosion that did occur was by way of a pipe bomb configuration, then the experts would know if the pipes used contained explosive materials made by hand and contained in the pipe or did the pipe(s) envelope already made, factory configured explosive materials such as standard rock blasting dynamite, available in several commercially made specifications and configurations, or possibly C4 type military grade explosive material while either way, when contained inside a sealed metal pipe, would increase the explosive force of the explosive material contained inside the metal containers.

Cheers

Edited August 23, 2015 by gemguy